Our Work

Global Partners in Care supports access to hospice and palliative care globally by establishing collaborative partnerships, furthering research and education, and working collaboratively to raise awareness of the global need for increased access to essential hospice and palliative care services.

What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?

In some countries, including the United States, hospice and palliative care are two distinct areas of care. Below are more global definitions for each:

Hospice:
Originally, the words hospes and hospitium were used to denote not only a certain relationship between individuals, but also the place in which the relationship developed. Later, hospice, derived from these words and was used to describe a place of refuge for weary or sick travelers seeking rest on life’s journey.

Today, hospice care is known as specialized health care centered on the palliative relief of pain, symptoms, and emotional or spiritual distress of individuals approaching the end-of-life. Care is delivered by an interdisciplinary team and prioritizes quality of life, comfort, and dignity. Care ensures support for the patient and their family. Whenever possible, care is provided in the patient and/or families preferred setting, respecting each person’s culture, preferences, and values. The word hospice is also used to describe a place where hospice care is delivered.
(adapted from Pallipedia)

Palliative Care:
Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients (adults and children) and their families who are facing problems associated with life-threatening illness. It prevents and relieves suffering through the early identification, correct assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, whether physical, psychosocial or spiritual.
(from the World Health Organization)